Malva verticillata Chinese mallow (Malvaceae)

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Malva verticillata
Chinese mallow
(1 Page of 5)

The Malva verticillata plant species is found in E. Asia. A casual, occasionally established in Britain. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chinese mallow.

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Latin Name:  Malva verticillata
Common Name:  Chinese mallow
Family:  Malvaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  When grown on nitrogen rich soils (and particularly when these are cultivated inorganically), the plant tends to concentrate high levels of nitrates in its leaves[76]. The leaves are perfectly wholesome at all other times.

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Arable fields[74].

Cultivation Notes: A very easily grown plant, succeeding in ordinary garden soil[1], though it prefers a reasonably well-drained and moderately fertile soil in a sunny position[200]. This species is cultivated as a salad crop in parts of Europe[17, 50, 51]. There is at least one named variety:- 'Crispa' has more tender leaves than the species with curled leaf edges that make it look more attractive in salads. This species was one of the earliest domesticated crops in China, it has been in cultivation for well over 2,500 years[183]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Plants are prone to infestation by rust fungus[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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